August 30, 2015

Pastoral Poetry - Southern Minnesota Landscape En Plein Air


Pastoral Poetry
6x8 Oil
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

A little plein air piece I did back in July just southwest of Minneapolis.

I always find I have good intentions to get out and do more plein air painting. I however, have discovered I am a fair weather  painter. Literally! too hot? Too cold? Too buggy? Nope. I need it just right! Unless I can find a partner in crime to nudge me out the door!

I love getting out. There's nothing better than being outdoors and absorbing all the sights and sounds of the location. Maybe that's why, with every painting, I vividly remember the details of the day. Who I was with, conversations, the farmer bailing the hay from the field on the left, scouting for a location, the weather and the champagne we drank! It's incredible.

On this day I was with a good friend on the fourth of July. I visited her new home and we set out to explore this new area. We saw lots of beautiful scenes to paint but could not find a place to pull off.
We decided we should advocate the state to provide turn outs along the roads so plein air painters have access to be able to paint all our beautiful vistas!

August 27, 2015

Owl Capone - Owl painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Owl Capone
10x10x1.5 Oil on cradled hardwood SOLD

He kind of looks like a little mobster doesn't he? 

This is another version of that other little owl on green. I went with a warmer palette and it fits in nicely with my current anticipation of Autumn. Our cooler temps and crisp nights this past week have fooled me into thinking it is time for sweaters and soup! And though it may be early, I have noticed a few spots of color on some of the Maples around the neighborhood!
Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend!

August 23, 2015

Field of Gold - Wildlife Elk painting

Field of Gold
15 x 21 Oil
©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

Expanding my horizons beyond the birds. I have so many interests, it's hard to decide where to put my focus!

I love Elk.  And I would love to paint more. They are so majestic and beautiful. I wish they thrived here in Minnesota. (Or that I could spend some time out west observing them!)

This was an exercise in experimentation with textures and tools and even as I look at this I have another thought to add to it. So, I'm not sure if it is truly finished. I will sit with this for now but don't be surprised if it shows up slightly different.